The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that 1.2 million people in the United States are living with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). Of those people, approximately 13 percent are unaware of their HIV-positive status. Increasing the number of persons who are aware of their status is a critical strategy for preventing HIV infections. HIV testing is entering a new era in this country as lawmakers, health plan and insurance executives, and public health officials are making changes in their respective fields to ensure that more people will know their HIV status—an important consideration for maintaining health and reducing the spread of the virus. Physicians often ask about the laws governing a patient’s right to consent to an HIV test and other treatment considerations.The following discussion may provide helpful guidance on consent and other concerns such as prevention, partner services and linkage to care.